I have written many times about PCLaw errors, including the types of errors, how to locate them, and how to correct them. I have not really discussed how the errors occurred in the first place. This may give the wrong impression about PCLaw, which in my humble opinion is the best legal accounting program available.
On my December 18, 2011 posting, I provided a list of the 7 most common PCLaw errors:
User Errors
- Simple posting error
- Trust errors (multiple matters/trust accounts)
- Accounts Receivable errors (method/multiple invoices/matters)
- Posting error (PCLaw generated)
- Partial posting error
- Read/write error
- Hidden error
In my experience, the 4 PCLaw Errors listed above can occur for 1 of 3 reasons:
- Electrical fluctuations
- Network/server fluctuations
- Bank reconciliation window
- Electrical fluctuations - While our power grid appears stable, imperceptible variations in voltage and power surges do occur regularly. If one hits at the same time you click OK, one of the PCLaw errors above can occur.
- Network/server fluctuations - Errors are virtually non-existent when PCLaw is running on one computer. While that may not be practical, it is important to realize that these errors are network errors, not PCLaw errors. Essentially, the same as the issue of power surges and voltage fluctuations, only just localized to your internal network.
- Bank reconciliation window - The bank reconciliation window has an option “Auto save every ‘5’ minutes”. When you are doing your bank reconciliation, you may be adding entries as you progress, while leaving the reconciliation window open. If you click OK at the same time the Auto Save function runs, there is a high probability that an error will occur. If you are correcting an entry and Auto Save runs, you often get an error message “Unable to link to previous entry”. When you return to the reconciliation window, you will see 2 entries instead of 1.
As always, I invite your comments and suggestions for future post topics. Next Posting – Adjusting A Period HST Report In PCLaw.
Clyde
On Pclaw errors, re Bank Rec are you suggesting that 1) Bank reconciliation should only be performed when there are no other users logged/entering information or 2) the user performing the bank reconciliation mustn't perform other data entries when doing the bank reconciliation. In a typical office set up there are bound to be concurrent users performing other data entry tasks when the need to do the bank reconciliation arises. Secondly, the user is bound to enter SC or other bank entries when the reconciliation window is open.
ReplyDeleteHassan Maje
Hi Hassan
ReplyDelete1. The auto-save will only happen with the user that has the bank reconciliation window open, and will only interfere with the entries this individual user makes. It does not affect other users.
2. You can do entries with the reconciliation window open, but just be aware of this issue. You get a "please wait" message during the auto-save, so try to time your entries for just after an auto-save, and before the next one occurs. Alternatively, for clients that have many entries to add, mark up the bank statement (copy), and do all the entries at one time - with the reconciliation window closed.
Usually, you can simply remove the duplicate entry, but if a partial occurs, you will need help from PCLaw Support to remove.
Clyde